First Aid Kit 2026: What's Changed (and What You Need to Do Now)
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On February 12, 2026, a new version of the Regulation respecting minimum standards of first aid and first response (RNMPSPS) came into effect in Quebec, adopted by decree on January 28, 2026. At the same time, the Canadian standard CSA Z1220-2024 became the mandatory reference for the contents of first aid kits in workplaces. Result: if your 2026 first aid kit dates from before 2024, there's a good chance that important items are missing. The good news? In most cases, you don't have to start over—you just need to know what to add.
Why your kits may need updating right now
Two major changes occurred simultaneously. On one hand, the CSA Z1220-2024 standard modified the mandatory contents of first and second category kits. On the other hand, the RNMPSPS 2026 revised the calculation of the number of first aiders required, training requirements, and the recognition of healthcare professionals as designated first aiders.
These changes apply to all Quebec employers, whether it's a 3-person office, a 200-employee factory, or a construction site. Work vehicles are also concerned. If you purchased your kit before 2024, it's highly likely that some mandatory items are missing.
To remember: First aid certificates issued before February 12, 2026, remain valid until their expiration date. You do not need to retrain your first aiders immediately—but new certifications will need to comply with the CSA Z1210 standard.
Concrete changes to your kit (CSA Z1220-2024 standard)
Here's what has changed in the contents of kits according to the new standard. These modifications have been confirmed by the OEANS (Nova Scotia Emergency Nurses Association), which published a bilingual reference document on the 2024 revisions.
Type 1 Kit (personal): emergency blanket becomes mandatory
The personal kit, often kept by workers in their vehicle or bag, has received an important addition: an aluminized emergency blanket of at least 132 × 213 cm is now required. This item helps prevent hypothermia and shock in the minutes following an accident—particularly useful during Quebec winters.
Conversely, antibiotic ointment is no longer mandatory in Type 1 kits (although it can be kept as an optional item).
Type 2 Kit (basic): the arterial tourniquet makes its entry
This is the change that is getting the most attention in workplaces: the arterial tourniquet is now mandatory in all basic kits. This decision follows evidence showing that rapid control of severe hemorrhage—especially in trauma situations—is one of the most effective life-saving interventions.
Two other changes apply to Type 2 kits:
- The number of sterile abdominal pads increases from 2 to 4 in all Type 2 kits.
- Antibiotic ointment is no longer mandatory (but remains permitted as an optional item).
If your company has 2 to 25 workers in a low-risk environment, the basic kit is prescribed for you. See the SuperMedic basic kit ($167.99) to ensure your workplace is ready.
Type 3 Kit (intermediate): more abdominal pads
For high-risk environments—factories, machining workshops, industries—the intermediate kit sees its quantities of abdominal pads significantly increase:
- Small kit: from 1 to 2 pads
- Medium kit: from 2 to 4 pads
- Large kit: from 4 to 6 pads
In addition, specific glucose tablets are replaced by "a glucose source compliant with Diabetes Canada recommendations"—which offers more flexibility in product choice.
Antibiotic ointment is also no longer mandatory in Type 3 kits. See the SuperMedic intermediate kit ($179.99) for high-risk environments.
What is changing in the Quebec regulation (RNMPSPS 2026)
Beyond the contents of the kits, the amended regulation brings three important changes for Quebec employers.
1. New calculation of required first aiders
From now on, the number of first aiders is calculated based on the workers simultaneously present at the workplace. Teleworkers are no longer counted in this calculation, and workers present for less than 30 minutes are also excluded. For establishments and construction sites, the general rule is at least 1 first aider for 10 to 50 workers simultaneously present.
2. Nurses recognized as first aiders
A duly authorized nurse can now be designated as a first aider in your workplace, without having to obtain a standard first aid certificate. If your company has a nurse on its team, this person can be counted in the calculation of your required first aiders.
3. Training according to CSA Z1210 standard
All new first aid training must now meet the intermediate level of the CSA Z1210 standard. This applies only to new certificates: those issued before February 12, 2026, remain valid until their expiration.
To learn more about recognized training, consult the first aid section of the CNESST website.
Construction sites: the season resumes
In Quebec, in March, construction sites resume after winter. This is the ideal—and mandatory—time to check the compliance of your kits before teams are back at full capacity.
For project managers, the regulation is clear: kits must be accessible within approximately 5 minutes for all workers on the site. For sites with 10 to 50 workers simultaneously present, at least one first aider must be available per shift.
Quick checklist before opening your construction site this spring:
- ✓ Check that each kit contains an arterial tourniquet (mandatory since February 2026)
- ✓ Check the number of abdominal pads according to your kit's format
- ✓ Add an aluminized emergency blanket if you have Type 1 kits
- ✓ Recalculate the number of required first aiders based on the simultaneity of workers
- ✓ Ensure all kits are positioned within less than 5 minutes for each work area
- ✓ Check that vehicle kits are up-to-date and compliant
Vehicles used for transporting workers on construction sites are also subject to specific requirements. See the SuperMedic vehicle kit ($69.99), designed for isolated or traveling workers.
Do I have to replace my whole kit or just add missing items?
This is the question everyone is asking—and the practical answer is: in most cases, you only need to add the missing items. The regulation does not require you to discard your existing kit. What matters is that the content complies with the CSA Z1220-2024 standard at the time of an inspection.
That said, buying a new complete kit can be simpler (and often more economical) in two situations:
- Your current kit is more than 3-4 years old and several items are expired or missing.
- You are opening a new workplace or adding an additional shift.
If you opt for a new kit, ensure it is explicitly compliant with the CSA Z1220 standard. See all our CSA Z1220 compliant kits—available for low-risk, high-risk environments, and work vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly changed in first aid kits in 2026?
Three main changes: the addition of an arterial tourniquet in basic kits (Type 2), the addition of an aluminized emergency blanket in personal kits (Type 1), and an increase in the number of abdominal pads in intermediate kits (Type 3). Antibiotic ointment is no longer mandatory in any of the three types.
Is my first aid kit still compliant with CNESST standards?
If your kit was purchased before 2024 and has not been updated, it probably lacks at least one mandatory item. The quickest way to check is to compare its contents with the CSA Z1220-2024 standard list for the corresponding kit type (Type 1, 2, or 3). SuperMedic's MatrousseIA tool can also help you quickly identify missing items.
Is the arterial tourniquet now mandatory in my work kit?
Yes, if your workplace requires a basic kit (Type 2) or an intermediate kit (Type 3). The CSA Z1220-2024 standard requires an arterial tourniquet to be included in all Type 2 kits and, according to good practices in workplace first aid, it is strongly recommended to also have the training to use it correctly.
How to calculate the number of first aiders required in my company in 2026?
Since February 12, 2026, the calculation is based on workers simultaneously present in the establishment or on the construction site. Teleworkers are excluded, as are people present for less than 30 minutes. In general, you need at least 1 first aider for 10 to 50 workers simultaneously present. For specific situations, consult the text of the RNMPSPS on LégisQuébec.
Should I buy a new complete kit or just add the missing items?
In most cases, adding missing items is sufficient. If your existing kit is in good condition and only a few items are missing (arterial tourniquet, emergency blanket, additional pads), simply acquire them separately. If your kit is old, damaged, or many items are expired, complete replacement is more advantageous.
See all our CSA Z1220 compliant kits →
This article is for educational purposes only. For any questions regarding your specific legal obligations, consult the CNESST. In case of emergency, dial 911.